Mykie, skinhead, Hackney, London, UK

Skinhead subculture has a long and complex history. Originally influenced by the earlier Mod style, its soundtrack drew on the music of Jamaican musicians in the 60’s. With a sense of working class pride, these attributes were recognised by both white and black youth across England. Based on their style, the media protrayed them as aggressive. Neo-nazis and other racist groups went on to adopt the distinct skinhead style. Due to association, many original skinheads felt it was time to abandon their style, but some  refused to give it up causing a political divide within the subculture. An outsider to the subculture, I explored the current scene to try and learn what it means to be a skinhead today.